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Backstage Crew Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Support artist and crew movement in coordination with Production, Stage Management, and Tour Security * Assist with tour vehicle parking and backstage lot setup per Production-approved plans

Key Responsibilities Assist with operating lighting boards and sound boards Support backstage crew duties during rehearsals and performances Assist with box office operations, ushering, and front-of ...

New

$17.75/hr

Help maintain clean and safe rehearsal and backstage environments. * Participate in post show ... Communicate professionally with actors, designers, crew, and Playhouse staff. * Uphold Playhouse ...

Audio Assistant Lead

Ontario, CA · On-site

$41K - $52K/yr

The ability to stay grounded and de-escalate high-stress situations backstage between talent, crew, or scheduling friction. * Technical Aptitude: Strong fundamental knowledge of wireless microphone ...

Cast & Crew provides a comprehensive package of employee benefits including: Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO, health and wellness programs, employee discounts, and more! Note: Cast & Crew benefits are ...

Be Seen First

Freelance Event & Production Crew - Los Angeles, CA Pay: $25-$45/hr (based on role & experience ... In person Company Description Odeum Labor Services (OLS) was born from the backstage world. Founded ...

... backstage, and ready for their designated stage cues Qualifications Required: * Leadership ... crew heads with a calm, reassuring, and authoritative demeanor Preferred: * Fandom & Convention ...

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Backstage Crew information

See California salary details

$10

$21

$32

How much do backstage crew jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for backstage crew in California is $21.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.59 and $24.42 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a backstage crew?

Backstage crew are the team members responsible for supporting all technical and logistical aspects of a live performance or event behind the scenes. Their duties may include setting up and moving sets, operating lighting and sound equipment, managing props, and ensuring that all scene changes run smoothly. They work closely with directors, performers, and production staff to make sure performances run safely and efficiently. Backstage crew are essential to the success of theater, concerts, and other live events, often working quickly and quietly out of the audience’s view.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a backstage crew member?

To thrive as a Backstage Crew member, you need technical knowledge of stagecraft, basic understanding of safety protocols, and experience handling stage equipment, often gained through on-the-job training or theatre-related courses. Familiarity with common tools, rigging systems, lighting controls, and sound equipment is typically required. Strong teamwork, clear communication, adaptability, and the ability to work under pressure are standout soft skills for this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring smooth, safe, and efficient live event operations while contributing to a seamless audience experience.

What are some common challenges faced by backstage crew members during live performances?

Backstage crew members often work under tight time constraints and must adapt quickly to unexpected changes, such as last-minute set adjustments or technical issues. The environment can be fast-paced, requiring strong communication and teamwork to ensure smooth transitions between scenes. Managing heavy or delicate equipment safely and efficiently is also a key challenge, especially during quick set changes. Staying calm under pressure and being prepared for any contingency are essential skills for success in this role.

What is the difference between Backstage Crew vs Stagehands?

AspectBackstage CrewStagehands
CredentialsVaries; often no formal certification, but technical skills helpfulSimilar; often no formal certification, focus on technical skills
Work EnvironmentBehind the scenes in theaters, concerts, eventsBehind the scenes in theaters, concerts, events
Employer & Industry UsageUsed interchangeably in entertainment and live event industriesUsed interchangeably in entertainment and live event industries

Backstage Crew and Stagehands typically perform similar roles behind the scenes in theaters and live events. Both require technical skills and work in similar environments, often without formal certifications. The terms are frequently used interchangeably in the industry, focusing on supporting performances without being on stage.

What are the most commonly searched types of Backstage Crew jobs in California?

The most popular types of Backstage Crew jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Backstage Crew jobs in California?

For Backstage Crew jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in California are hiring for Backstage Crew jobs?

Cities in California with the most Backstage Crew job openings:

Infographic showing various Backstage Crew job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 34% Full Time, 33% Part Time, and 33% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $43,681 per year, or $21 per hour.

Venue Backstage Security

Livenation

Riverside, CA

$26/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 24 days ago


Live Nation rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 142 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

12th of 52 rated entertainment


Job description

Job Summary:

WHO ARE WE?

Live Nation Entertainment is the world's leading live entertainment company, comprised of global market leaders: Ticketmaster, Live Nation Concerts, and Live Nation Media & Sponsorship. Ticketmaster is the global leader in event ticketing with over 620 million tickets sold annually and approximately 10,000 clients worldwide. Live Nation Concerts is the largest provider of live entertainment in the world promoting more than 50,000 events annually for nearly 7,000 artists in 40+ countries. These businesses allow Live Nation Media & Sponsorship to create strategic music marketing programs that connect more than 1,200 sponsors with the 145 million fans that attend Live Nation Entertainment events each year. For additional information, visitwww.livenationentertainment.com.

WHO ARE YOU?

Passionate and motivated. Driven, with an entrepreneurial spirit. Resourceful, innovative, forward thinking and committed. At Live Nation Entertainment, our people embrace these qualities, so if this sounds like you then please read on!

THE JOB

The Backstage Security Ops is responsible for maintaining a safe, secure, and professional backstage environment at a Live Nation concert venue. This role supports artists, touring personnel, production staff, and venue operations by enforcing credential access, monitoring restricted areas, and responding to incidents in a calm and professional manner. The position requires flexibility, strong communication skills, and the ability to operate in a fast-paced live event environment.

WHAT THIS ROLE WILL DO

  • Enforce backstage, stage, and artist-only access control using credentials, laminates, and wristbands
  • Monitor backstage areas including dressing rooms, production spaces, hallways, and stage-adjacent access points
  • Support artist and crew movement in coordination with Production, Stage Management, and Tour Security
  • Assist with tour vehicle parking and backstage lot setup per Production-approved plans
  • Identify, prevent, and address unauthorized access or security concerns
  • Utilize verbal de-escalation techniques as the primary response to conflicts or disruptions
  • Respond to incidents, medical situations, and safety concerns and escalate appropriately
  • Complete accurate incident reports and post-show documentation as required
  • Maintain confidentiality regarding artist activity and backstage operations
  • Perform other security-related duties as assigned by Venue Security Management
  • Other duties as assigned

WHAT THIS PERSON WILL BRING

  • Minimum 18 years of age
  • Current valid CA Guard card or security license required.
  • Ability to remain calm and professional in high-pressure situations
  • Strong verbal communication and interpersonal skills
  • Ability to follow written and verbal instructions
  • Availability to work nights, weekends, holidays, and extended shifts
  • Ability to stand and walk for extended periods

Must have high school diploma or equivalent.

  • Ability to communicate effectively in English.
  • An understanding of the rule of law and the relevant penal codes.
  • Ability to represent the Security Department in an exemplary manner.
  • Ability to effectively perform in crises and work under pressure without the loss of composure.
  • Ability to memorize, recollect, and quickly retrieve relevant information.
  • Ability to interact effectively and calmly with angry or emotional patrons and employees during intensely aggravated circumstances.
  • Ability to walk, stand, lift at least 45 lbs., reach, pull, push, grasp and drag.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Prior experience in live events, concerts, or backstage security
  • Familiarity with touring production environments
  • Experience with access control, credentialing systems, or artist movement
  • Customer-service-oriented mindset with strong situational awareness
  • Bilingual abilities a plus

Work Environment

  • Fast-paced live entertainment venue
  • Exposure to loud noise, crowds, and low-light environments
  • Indoor and outdoor backstage areas
  • Variable schedules based on show requirements

Physical Demands

  • Prolonged standing and walking
  • Climbing stairs and navigating tight backstage spaces
  • Ability to visually monitor access points and respond quickly to incidents

Employment Details

  • Position Type: Part-Time / Event-Based
  • Classification: Non-Union
  • Pay Rate: $24-$26 per hour (based on role and experience)
  • Overtime and meal periods in accordance with California labor laws

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

We aspire to build teams that reflect and support the fans and artists we serve. Every day we aim to promote environments where everyone can be themselves, contribute fully, and thrive within our company and at our events. As a growing business we will encourage you to develop your professional and personal aspirations, enjoy new experiences, and learn from the talented people you will be working with.


Live Nation strongly supports equal employment opportunity for all applicants regardless of age (40 and over), ancestry, color, religious creed (including religious dress and grooming practices), family and medical care leave or the denial of family and medical care leave, mental or physical disability (including HIV and AIDS), marital status, domestic partner status, medical condition (including cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, military and veteran status, political affiliation, national origin (including language use restrictions), citizenship, race, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding), gender, gender identity, and gender expression, sexual orientation, intersectionality,or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local law, rule, ordinance or regulation.

We will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Los Angeles Fair Chance Ordinance, San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance and the California Fair Chance Act and consistent with other similar and / or applicable laws in other areas.

We also afford equal employment opportunities to qualified individuals with a disability. For this reason, Live Nation will make reasonable accommodations for the known physical or mental limitations of an otherwise qualified individual with a disability who is an applicant consistent with its legal obligations to do so, including reasonable accommodations related to pregnancy in accordance with applicable local, state and / or federal law. As part of its commitment to make reasonable accommodations, Live Nation also wishes to participate in a timely, good faith, interactive process with a disabled applicant to determine effective reasonable accommodations, if any, which can be made in response to a request for accommodations. Applicants are invited to identify reasonable accommodations that can be made to assist them to perform the essential functions of the position they seek. Any applicant who requires an accommodation in order to perform the essential functions of the job should contact a Human Resources Representative to request the opportunity to participate in a timely interactive process. Live Nation will also provide reasonable religious accommodations on a case-by-case basis.

HIRING PRACTICES
The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

Live Nation recruitment policies are designed to place the most highly qualified persons available in a timely and efficient manner. Live Nation may pursue all avenues available, including promotion from within, employee referrals, outside advertising, employment agencies, internet recruiting, job fairs, college recruiting and search firms.

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The expected compensation for this position is:

$20.00 USD - $25.00 USD Hourly

** Pay is based on a number of factors including market location, qualifications, skills, and experience.

Live Nation Entertainment will never request payment or equipment purchases as part of the hiring process. Recruiters will only contact candidates from official Live Nation or affiliated brand email domains.


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